Planning a move to America is an exciting time but it can be a bit overwhelming to work out where to begin.

At Andrew Porter Limited, we have many years' experience in removals to the USA and will do all that we can to guide you through the process until you are safely moved into your new transatlantic home.

We will provide you with a dedicated move co-ordinator who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about removals to America. They will advise you of your shipment vessel and arrival date as well as explaining customs processes to you.

All countries have their own requirements and regulations when it comes to moving abroad and the USA has strict protocols regarding immigration. A large amount of paperwork is required to accompany the shipment of your belongings and you are advised to let professionals pack your items to avoid a lengthy customs investigation, for which you will be charged a fee. For these reasons, it is vital to choose an experienced and knowledgeable removals company when moving to the USA.

Some items require extra security checks, in particular alcohol or foodstuffs, so it is advisable to leave these types of things behind. There are also some items you may not be able to import at all, such as plants and almost all vehicles. Any items you cannot take with you, your prized wine collection perhaps or your vintage Jaguar, can be stored safely at our purpose-built storage warehouse until you need them.

Shipping times will vary considerably, depending on where it is in the USA you are moving to. Transit times to New York could take one to two weeks, to Florida two to three weeks and to California up to four weeks. Groupage consignments, where space in your shipping container is shared with other people's belongings, will take longer but are a cheaper option.

If you require any items delivering quickly, we can arrange an air freight service.

Transporting vehicles to America

Andrew Porter Limited is an expert in car transportation and we can assist you with all your needs when shipping cars to the USA.

Most motor vehicles manufactured outside the USA are unlikely to conform to America’s strict air pollution control standards. Vehicles must be emissions tested to check that they comply with the standards of the USA Environmental Protection Agency.

They must also comply with safety standards of the Department of Transportation/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as being cleared by the USA Customs Service after the payment of any duty required.

All cars and vehicles being shipped to the USA must be clean on arrival, including the undercarriage, and personal belongings should not be packed inside shipped vehicles.

Moving pets to America

The good news is that in most cases your beloved pets will be able to join you when you move to America.

Other than in Hawaii, there are no quarantine requirements for animals moving to the USA, but entry requirements do apply.

You will need an International Health Certificate issued by your vet within 10 days of your departure date, stating that your pet is in good health to fly.

Dogs should have been resident in the UK for at least six months to comply with rabies restrictions.

Andrew Porter Limited can provide you with additional information regarding moving your pet to America should you require it.

If you have specific questions relating to removals to the USA or would like a quote, please contact our International Removals America team today on 0800 389 1222.

This information is intended as a guide only and full checks on immigration requirements and import restrictions should be carried out before your move.

Andrew Porter have now launched a dedicated laboratory relocation specialist, APort Global. As part of this there is now a dedicated web site where you can get all the up to date and relevant information about our laboratory relocation services.